Estudo anterior de nosso grupo demonstrou que superfície de titânio (Ti) com nanotopografia obtida por condicionamento com H2SO4/H2O2 e funcionalizada com GDF-5 por simples adsorção promove o aumento da mineralização de culturas primárias de células osteogênicas. O presente estudo teve como objetivos avaliar: 1) os efeitos da pós-adsorção de proteínas principais do plasma- albumina, fibrinogênio e fibronectina, em superfícies de Ti controle e com nanotopografia, funcionalizadas com GDF-5 a 200 ng/mL por simples adsorção, sobre a formação de matriz mineralizada in vitro; 2) parâmetros moleculares e fenotípicos característicos da aquisição do fenótipo osteogênico in vitro sobre superfícies de Ti funcionalizadas com GDF-5 por simples adsorção ou por filmes LbL; 3) parâmetros de formação óssea adjacente a implantes de Ti com nanotopografia funcionalizada com GDF-5 pelos dois métodos, em modelo de tíbia de coelhos. Os resultados mostraram que a pós-adsorção de proteínas plasmáticas não afetou o potencial osteogênico in vitro, com exceção para o efeito inibidor da albumina, quando pós-adsorvida isoladamente. Tanto a superfície de Ti como o método de funcionalização de GDF-5 afetaram, quantitativamente, as formações de matriz mineralizada, com a maior diferenciação osteogênica para Ti com nanotopografia funcionalizada com GDF-5 por simples adsorção e a menor, para os filmes LbL, independentemente das superfícies sobre as quais eles eram montados. A atividade de ALP foi maior em culturas sobre nanotopografia de Ti, incluindo aquelas funcionalizadas com GDF-5, cujos valores, no entanto, não corresponderam, necessariamente, à maior atividade osteogênica. Apesar disso, todos os grupos exibiram expressão de marcadores de diferenciação osteoblástica, com sobre-expressão de osteopontina e osteocalcina para culturas sobre LbL. As análises microtomográfica, histológica e histomorfométrica não revelaram diferenças qualitativas e quantitativas in vivo entre nanotopografias de Ti funcionalizadas ou não com GDF-5, ainda que uma tendência à maior formação óssea tenha sido observada para as superfícies funcionalizadas e, entre essas, para os filmes LbL. Considerados conjuntamente, os resultados do presente estudo contribuem para o melhor entendimento das respostas de osteoblastos e do tecido ósseo quando se propõe a estratégia de funcionalização de superfícies de Ti com GDF-5 visando à otimização da osseointegração. / It has been demonstrated that a nanostructured titanium (Ti) surface obtained by treatment with H2SO4/H2O2 and functionalized with GDF-5 by simple adsorption promotes the enhancement of mineralized matrix formation in osteogenic cell cultures. This study aimed to evaluate: 1) the effects of post-adsorption of major plasma proteins, i.e. albumin, fibrinogen and fibronectin, on control and nanostructured Ti surfaces, functionalized with 200 ng/mL GDF-5 by simple adsorption, on mineralized matrix formation by calvarial osteogenic cell cultures; 2) molecular and phenotypic parameters characteristics of the acquisition of the osteogenic phenotype in vitro on Ti surfaces functionalized with GDF-5 by either simple adsorption or layer by layer (LbL) films; 3) parameters of bone formation adjacent to Ti implants with a nanostructured surface functionalized with GDF-5 by the two methods described in item 2, in a rabbit tibia model. The results showed that the post-adsorption of plasma proteins did not affect the osteogenic potential of cultures, except for the inhibitory effect of albumin when post-adsorbed alone. Either the Ti surface topography or the method for GDF-5 functionalization quantitatively affected mineralized matrix formation, with the higher osteogenic differentiation for nanostructured Ti functionalized with GDF-5 by simple adsorption and the lower one for LbL films, irrespective of the Ti surface topography on which they were mounted. ALP activity was higher for cultures grown on nanostructured Ti, including those functionalized with GDF-5, whose values, however, did not necessarily correspond to the higher osteogenic activity. Despite that, all groups expressed osteoblast differentiation markers, with a remarkable increase in osteopontin and osteocalcin mRNA levels for cultures grown on LbL films. The microtomographic, histologic and histomorphometric analyses revealed no qualitative or quantitative differences in vivo among the nanostructured Ti implants, yet a tendency for enhanced bone formation was observed for the functionalized surfaces and, between them, for the LbL films. Taken together, the results of the present in vitro and in vivo studies contribute to a better understanding of osteoblast and bone tissue responses to the functionalization of Ti surfaces with GDF-5 aiming to optimize osseointegration.

Modificações bioquímicas de topografias complexas de Ti permitem o desenvolvimento de novas superfícies de implantes funcionalizadas com moléculas bioativas, visando a promover a osteogênese de contato e a osseointegração. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desenvolvimento do fenótipo osteogênico in vitro sobre diferentes nanotopografias de titânio (Ti) funcionalizadas com o fator de crescimento GDF-5. Células osteogênicas derivadas de calvária de ratos recém-nascidos foram plaqueadas e cultivadas por até 14 dias sobre superfícies de discos de Ti: 1) Controle (usinada e polida); 2) 30′ (com nanotopografia de nanoporos menores, obtida por condicionamento em solução de H2SO4/H2O2 por 30 min); 3) 30′+GDF-5 (nanotopografia de 30′, pré-adsorvida com GDF-5 a 200 ng/mL); 4) 4h (com nanotopografia de nanoporos maiores, obtida por condicionamento em H2SO4/H2O2 por 4 h); 5) 4h+GDF-5 (nanotopografia de 4h, pré-adsorvida com GDF-5 a 200 ng/mL). A adsorção de GDF-5 foi realizada a 4 ºC por 12 h no dia anterior ao plaqueamento das células. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos para a viabilidade celular em 1, 3 e 7 dias. Em 3 dias, as células estavam aderidas e espraiadas sobre todas as superfícies e acúmulos extracelulares extensos de OPN foram encontrados apenas sobre superfícies com nanotopografia de 4h e de 30′+GDF-5. A expressão de RNAm para RUNX2 e ALP foi maior em 7 dias se comparada a 10 dias, sendo os menores valores encontrados para o grupo 4h+GDF-5. A expressão de OPN aumentou de 7 para 10 dias, exceto para 30′+GDF-5, que se manteve inalterada. Enquanto que os níveis de RNAm para BSP aumentaram de 7 para 10 dias no Controle, redução significativa foi observada para os demais grupos, exceto para 30′, em que se manteve constante. Culturas crescidas sobre nanotopografias funcionalizadas com GDF-5 exibiram os maiores valores de atividade de ALP em 10 dias e de áreas de matriz mineralizada/acúmulos de cálcio em 14 dias. Em conclusão, a funcionalização de nanotopografias de Ti com GDF-5 pode acelerar e/ou aumentar a expressão do fenótipo osteogênico in vitro. / Surface functionalization of metallic surfaces with bioactive molecules has been developed aiming to promote specific cellular responses at the biomaterial-tissue interface. The present study evaluated the development of the osteogenic phenotype in vitro on titanium (Ti) surface nanotopographies functionalized with growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5). Osteogenic cells were obtained by enzymatic digestion of newborn rat calvarial bone and grown for periods of up to 14 days on the following Ti disc surfaces: 1) Machined; 2) 30′ Nanotopography created by a mixture of H2SO4/H2O2 for 30 min; 3) 30′+GDF-5 Nanotopography created by a mixture of H2SO4/H2O2 for 30 min and then adsorbed with 200 ng/mL GDF-5 (overnight at 4 °C); 4) 4h Nanotopography created by a mixture of H2SO4/H2O2 for 4 h; 5) 4h+GDF-5 Nanotopography created by a mixture of H2SO4/H2O2 for 4 h and then adsorbed with 200 ng/mL GDF-5 (overnight at 4 °C). At 4 h, nanotopographies adsorbed with GDF-5 exhibited a significantly lower proportion of spread cells. At days 1, 3 and 7 no major differences in terms of cell viability were detected among groups. At day 3, epifluorescence revealed large extracellular OPN accumulation only for 30′+GDF-5, 4h and 4h+GDF-5. Real time PCR analysis showed for GDF-5 groups: i) lower mRNA levels for RUNX2, ALP e BSP at day 10; ii) higher RUNX2 and ALP expression at day 7 compared with day 10, with the lowest levels for 4h+GDF-5; iii) increased OPN levels from day 7 to day 10, except for 30′+GDF-5, which remained unaltered. Cultures grown on nanotopographies adsorbed with GDF-5 exhibited significantly higher values for ALP activity at 10 days and enhanced mineralized matrix formation at day 14. In conclusion, surface functionalization of Ti nanotopographies with GDF-5 can accelerate and/or increase the expression of the osteogenic phenotype in vitro.

O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar a participação de integrina &alpha;1&beta;1 e microRNAs (miRs) no potencial osteogênico de superfícies de titânio (Ti) com nanotopografia. Discos de Ti previamente polidos foram tratados quimicamente com H2SO4/H2O2 para obtenção de nanotopografia, que foi observada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Para o estudo da participação da integrina &alpha;1&beta;1, células-tronco mesenquimais (CTMs) de ratos foram cultivadas em condições osteogênicas e não osteogênicas sobre superfícies de Ti com nanotopografia e sem tratamento químico (controle). O resultados mostraram que a nanotopografia de Ti aumentou a proliferação celular, a atividade de fosfatase alcalina (Alp) e regulou positivamente a expressão gênica de marcadores da diferenciação osteoblástica em CTMs cultivadas tanto em condições osteogênicas quanto em condições não osteogênicas. Além disso, uma maior expressão gênica para as integrinas &alpha;1 e &beta;1 foi observada em culturas crescidas sobre nanotopografia em condições não osteogênicas em relação ao Ti controle. O uso de obtustatina, um inibidor de integrina &alpha;1&beta;1, reduziu os efeitos da nanotopografia sobre os marcadores osteoblásticos, indicando a participação da via de sinalização dessa integrina nos efeitos da nanotopografia sobre CTMs. Para investigar a participação de miRs no efeito osseoindutor da nanotopografia de Ti, foram utilizadas CTMs humanas e células préosteoblásticas de camundongos da linhagem MC3T3-E1. A análise em larga escala da expressão de miRs revelou que 60 miRs foram regulados positivamente (no mínimo, 2x maior), enquanto 58 miRs foram regulados negativamente (no mínimo, 2x menor) em CTMs crescidas sobre a nanotopografia. Três desses miRs, miR-4448, -4708 e -4773, cuja expressão foi significativamente reduzida pela nanotopografia de Ti (no mínimo, 5x menor), afetaram a diferenciação osteoblástica de CTMs. Esses miRs atuam diretamente sobre SMAD1 e SMAD4, proteínas transdutoras da sinalização da proteína óssea morfogenética 2 (Bmp-2), conhecida por sua capacidade osseoindutora. Além disso, verificou-se que a sobreexpressão de miR-4448, -4708 e -4773 em células pré-osteoblásticas MC3T3-E1 inibiu a expressão gênica e proteica de SMAD1 e SMAD4 e, consequentemente, a expressão gênica de marcadores ósseos. Esses dados sugerem a influência do circuito miR-SMAD-Bmp-2 sobre o efeito osseoindutor da nanotopografia. Conjuntamente, os achados do presente estudo mostraram que o efeito da nanotopografia de Ti sobre a diferenciação osteoblástica resulta de um mecanismo regulatório complexo, do qual fazem parte as vias de sinalização da integrina &alpha;1&beta;1 e da Bmp-2, com a participação de miRs. Esses resultados podem representar um avanço para o desenvolvimento de novas modificações de superfície, com o objetivo de acelerar e/ou melhorar o processo de osseointegração. / The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the &alpha;1&beta;1 integrin and microRNAs (miRs) on the osteogenic potential of titanium (Ti) with nanotopography. Polished Ti discs were chemically treated with H2SO4/H2O2 to generate nanotopography, which was observed under scanning electron microscopy. For the study related to the &alpha;1&beta;1 integrin, rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured under osteogenic and non-osteogenic conditions on Ti with nanotopography and non-treated Ti discs (control). Nanotopography increased cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (Alp) activity and upregulated the gene expression of bone markers in cells cultured under osteogenic and non-osteogenic conditions. Furthermore, the gene expression of &alpha;1 and &beta;1 integrins was higher in cells cultured on nanotopography under non-osteogenic conditions compared with control. Obtustatin, an inhibitor of &alpha;1&beta;1 integrin, reduced the higher gene expression of the bone markers induced by nanotopography. These results indicate that &alpha;1&beta;1 integrin signaling pathway determines the osteoinductive effect of nanotopography on MSCs. The role of miRs in the osteogenic potential of Ti with nanotopography was evaluated using human MSCs and MC3T3-E1 mouse pre-osteoblastic cells. The miR sequencing analysis revealed that 60 miRs were upregulated (> 2 fold), while 58 miRs were downregulated (< 2 fold) in MSCs grown on nanotopography. Three miRs, miR-4448, -4708 and -4773, which were significantly downregulated (< 5 fold) by nanotopography, affected the osteoblast differentiation of MSCs. These miRs directly target SMAD1 and SMAD4, both key transducers of the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp-2) osteogenic signal, which were upregulated by nanotopography. Overexpression of miR-4448 - 4708 and 4773 in MC3T3-E1 cells noticeably inhibited gene and protein expression of SMAD1 and SMAD4 and by targeting them, these miRs repressed gene expression of key bone markers. These results suggest that a miR-SMAD-Bmp-2 circuit acts in the Ti nanotopography-mediated osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, our data showed that the osteoblast differentiation induced by Ti with nanotopography is governed by a complex regulatory network involving a crosstalk between &alpha;1&beta;1 integrin and Bmp-2 signaling pathways with participation of miRs.

A osseointegração de implantes de titânio (Ti) é dependente da interação entre a superfície de Ti e células, a qual é modulada por diversas vias de sinalização intracelular. Sabe-se que as quinases reguladas por sinais extracelulares (ERKs), membros da família das proteínas quinases ativadas por mitógenos (MAPKs), atuam tanto na osteogênese, quanto na adipogênese e, portanto, podem estar envolvidas no processo de osseointegração de Ti. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar se a interação entre células-tronco mesenquimais (CTMs) e superfícies de Ti usinada e com nanotopografia é modulada, ao menos em parte, por ERK1/2 e o consequente efeito da inibição dessas ERKs na diferenciação osteoblástica e adipocítica. Para isso, CTMs derivadas de medula óssea de ratos foram cultivadas sobre discos de Ti usinados e com nanotopografia em condições osteogênicas e adipogênicas, na presença ou não do inibidor de ERK1/2, PD98059, em concentração previamente determinada (25 &mu;M) e foram avaliados parâmetros relacionados à diferenciação osteoblástica e adipocítica. Os resultados mostraram que a expressão gênica dos marcadores osteoblásticos RUNX2, osterix (OSX), fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e osteocalcina (OC) foi aumentada pela inibição da via de sinalização de ERK1/2 nas células crescidas sobre Ti usinado e apenas ALP e OC, naquelas crescidas sobre Ti com nanotopografia. A expressão proteica de RUNX2 foi discretamente maior nas células crescidas sobre Ti usinado, mas não sobre Ti com nanotopografia, quando ERK1/2 foram inibidas e essa inibição não afetou a formação de matriz extracelular mineralizada, independentemente da superfície de Ti avaliada. Com relação à diferenciação adipocítica, a inibição da via de sinalização de ERK1/2 aumentou a expressão gênica dos marcadores adipocíticos PPAR&gamma;, adiponectina (ADIPOQ) e proteína ligadora de ácido graxo do adipócito ( AP2) nas células crescidas sobre ambas as superfícies de Ti, com efeito mais acentuado na superfície usinada, sem afetar a formação de acúmulo lípidico. Em conclusão, os resultados mostraram que a inibição de ERK1/2 favoreceu a diferenciação osteoblástica de CTMs crescidas sobre a superfície de Ti usinada, mas não sobre Ti com nanotopografia. Além disso, a inibição de ERK1/2 favoreceu a diferenciação adipocítica de CTMs crescidas sobre as superfícies de Ti com nanotopografia e usinada, sendo o efeito mais acentuado na usinada. Considerando aplicações terapêuticas, esses resultados são relevantes para direcionar o desenvolvimento de superfícies de biomateriais que atuem em vias de sinalização que sabidamente modulam o processo de osteogênese. / Osseointegration of titanium (Ti) implants depends on interaction between Ti surface and cells, which is modulated by several intracellular signaling pathways. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are members of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) family and act on both osteogenesis and adipogenesis and, therefore, may be involved in the process of Ti osseointegration. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate if the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and Ti surfaces, either machined or with nanotopography, is modulated, at least in part, by ERK1/2 and the effect of ERK1/2 inhibition on osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation. Rat bone marrow MSCs were cultured on Ti discs either machined or with nanotopography under osteogenic and adipogenic conditions, in presence or not of the ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059, at a concentration previously determined (25 &mu;M) and it was evaluated parameters related to osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation. The results showed that gene expression of the bone markers RUNX2, osterix (OSX), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) was increased by ERK1/2 signaling inhibition in cells grown on machined Ti and only ALP and OC in cells grown on Ti with nanotopography. RUNX2 protein expression was slightly higher in cells grown on machined Ti, but not on Ti with nanotopography, when ERK1/2 signaling was inhibited and such inhibition did not affect extracellular matrix mineralization, irrespective of the evaluated Ti surface. Regarding adipocyte differentiation, ERK1/2 signaling inhibition increased gene expression of the adipose tissue markers PPAR&gamma;, adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AP2) in cells grown on both Ti surfaces, with more prominet effect on machined one, without affecting lipid accumulation. In conclusion, our results showed that ERK1/2 signaling inhibition favored osteoblast differentiation of MSCs grown on machined Ti, but not on Ti with nanotopography. In addition, ERK1/2 signaling inhibition favored adipocyte differentiation of MSCs grown on both Ti surfaces, being more noticeable on machined one. Considering therapeutical applications, these results are relevant to drive the development of biomaterial surfaces to act on signaling pathways that regulate the process of osteogenesis.

Cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) are high aspect ratio rod-like nanoparticles with diameters on the order of a few nanometers. For the very first time CNWs are demonstrated as a useful material for guided tissue engineering. Due to their nanoscale dimensions and high aspect ratio, highly oriented spin coated surfaces of CNWs are shown to direct the morphology and terminal differentiation of myoblasts, allowing the culture of skeletal muscle-like tissue with a more physiologically relevant structure.CNWs are prepared from cellulose extracted from the tunicate Ascidiella sp. using acid hydrolysis to prepare high aspect ratio particles with diameters of approximately 5 to 6 nm. A spin coating method is used to prepare sparsely adsorbed sub-monolayers of CNWs with a high degree of relative orientation. The surfaces have a mean feature height of only 5.5 nm and the degree of CNW adsorption and orientation is modulated by altering the preparation procedure. When C2C12 myoblasts are seeded to the surfaces, the cells adopt highly oriented morphologies induced by the CNWs via contact guidance. This is a demonstration of contact guidance on some of the smallest topographical features ever reported. Furthermore, the highly oriented CNWs promote fusion and terminal differentiation of the myoblasts to form multinucleated myotubes with a striking degree of parallel orientation.CNW surfaces are also shown to support the adhesion and spreading of human mesenchymal stem cells, inducing the adoption of highly oriented cell morphologies. The ability of hMSCs to undergo cell fusion with C2C12 myotubes highlights the great potential for tissue engineering human skeletal muscle, using CNWs to direct the structure of the tissue. The bioactivity and low cytotoxicity of CNWs, coupled with their low cost and simple production procedure, indicates that CNWs will be a useful material for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

With an increasingly aging population, a significant challenge in implantology is the creation of biomaterials that actively promote and accelerate tissue integration while offering excellent mechanical properties. Engineered surfaces with superimposed micro and nanoscale topographies showed great potential to control and direct biomaterial-host tissue interactions. However, these modified surfaces require a careful assessment to prevent potential adverse effects on the fatigue resistance, a factor which may ultimately cause premature failure of biomedical implants. In this context, the surfaces of two widely used biocompatible metals, namely CP Ti and Ti-6Al-4V, were engineered through simple yet efficient chemical treatments which demonstrated the ability to confer exciting new bioactive capacities. The qualitative and quantitative assessments of the fatigue resistance of polished and treated metals were carried out. Results from this study highlight the importance of mechanical considerations in the development and evaluation of nanoscale surface treatments for metallic biomedical implants.

The potential of physiologically relevant in vitro cell culture models for studying physiological and pathophysiological phenomena has been widely recognized as replacements for animal and conventional in vitro models. To create models that accurately replicate the structure and function of tissues and organs, it is essential to comprehend the biophysical and mechanical features of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and incorporate them into the in vitro cell culture models. Therefore, we first aimed to investigate how nanotopography can modulate cell behaviors by studying cell behaviors on nanostructures of various aspect ratios on a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy surface. We also explored the impact of nanofibrous membranes on the formation of alveolar epithelium, which is critical for lung alveolar interstitium chips. In addition, we investigated the effect of mechanical stretch on cell behaviors and focused on how the dimensionality of the stretch affects cell behaviors. To create physiologically relevant in vitro models based on our findings, we engineered a stem cell niche using a combination of nanofibrous membranes, mechanical stretch, and a soft substrate, and evaluated its impact on stem cell behaviors. Finally, we created a biomimetic human lung interstitium chip for application in physiological and pathophysiological in vitro studies.

This dissertation thesis deals with the evaluation of biocompatibility and osseointegration of nanostructured titanium materials used for dental implants. Bulk material topography and surface modification of titanium are currently of intense research mainly due to the significant impact on biocompatibility and improvement of osseointegration of dental implants. In the theoretical part are described types of titanium material and different methods of its surface modification. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and osseointegration tests are described as well. The experimental work consists of two parts of experiments. In the first experiment, we examined how grain size of nanostructured titanium material influences the behaviour of fibroblastic as well as osteoblastic cells growth on its surface. The experimentally obtained data were statistically analysed and discussed. Grain size was proven to be an important factor that influenced not only the strength of material but also its interactions with cells. The second experiment describes current methods used in the experimental evaluation of osseointegration of dental implants. The results of histological staining methods are illustrated and compared. A standardized and reproducible technique for stereological quantification of bone-implant contact...

Afin d’améliorer la performance et l’intégration des biomatériaux dans le tissu hôte, l’intérêt actuel est d’exploiter des approches de nanotechnologie pour produire des biomatériaux possédant des surfaces bioactives. Il est connu que l’interaction des cellules avec la surface des biomatériaux détermine la réponse du tissu hôte et le succès d’un implant. La topographie est l'un des principaux facteurs influençant l'activité fonctionnelle des cellules en contact avec des biomatériaux. Cependant, les mécanismes impliqués demeurent imprécis. Notre groupe a exploité un traitement chimique simple afin de créer des surfaces de titane nanoporeuses uniques qui expriment une influence cellulaire sélective, favorisant ainsi la formation osseuse in vivo et in vitro. Dans ce travail, nous avons réduit la durée du traitement afin d’obtenir une surface nanotopographique mono-planaire, puis évaluer l’influence d’une telle surface sur la formation par des cellules pré-ostéoblastiques MC3T3-E1 d’adhésions focales et de filopodes, ainsi que sur l’expression de gènes codant pour différentes protéines associées à l’adhésion et la signalisation cellulaire. Des disques de titane commercialement pur (cp-Ti) ont été traités avec un mélange d’acide sulfurique et de peroxyde d’hydrogène (50/50 v/v) pendant 1.5 heures. La caractérisation par microscopie électronique à balayage à haute résolution et pour microscopie à force atomique a confirmé la formation d’une surface effectivement mono-planaire caractérisée par des nanopores d’une taille moyenne de 20 ± 5 nm. Les cellules ont été mises en culture pour des périodes de 6, 24 et 72 heures sur des disques contrôles polis et avec une surface nanoporeuse. L'analyse de l’expression de la vinculine par immunofluorescence a révélé un plus grand nombre d’adhésions focales par les cellules sur la surface traitée. Le PCR quantitatif a également montré une augmentation significative de l'expression des gènes pour différents marqueurs d'adhésions focales, telles que paxilline, taline, et différentes intégrines comme par exemple les intégrines α1, β1 et α5. Par microscopie électronique à balayage, les cellules sur la surface nanoporeuse révèlent une présence plus importante de filopodes vis à vis des surfaces contrôles. Ces structures affichent de manière unique de très petites protrusions membranaires latérales d’entre 10-15 nm qui suivent les bords des nanopores. L’augmentation des adhésions focales, l'abondance des filopodes et de leurs petites protrusions pourraient engendre interaction accrue avec la surface et modifier les relations biomécaniques à l’échelle nanométrique pour déclencher des cascade régulant la prolifération cellulaire. / To improve the performance and integration of biomaterials in the host tissue, the focus is presently on exploiting nanotechnology approaches to produce biomaterials with bioactive surfaces. It is known that the cell-biomaterial interactions determine the response of the host tissue and therefore the success of implants. Topography is a key factor that influences the functional activity of cells; however, the mechanisms implicated remain unclear. Our group has exploited a simple chemical treatment to create unique nanoporous titanium surfaces that selectively influence cell behaviour and favor osteogenic activity both in vitro and in vivo. In this work, we have reduced treatment time in order to obtain a monoplanar nanostructured surface, and we have evaluated its influence on the formation of focal adhesions, filopodia, and on gene expression for different cell adhesion and signaling proteins by MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells. Commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) was treated with a mixture of H2SO4/H2O2 (50/50 v/v) for 1.5h. Characterization by high-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy characterization showed the formation of a nanoporous surface with a mean pore diameter of 20 ± 5 nm. Cells were cultured and plated on polished (control) and nanotextured discs for periods of 6, 24 and 72 hours. Immunofluorescence analysis of vinculin expression revealed the formation of more focal adhesions by cells seeded on nanostructured surfaces. Quantitative PCR likewise showed significant increase of gene expression for various focal adhesion markers, including paxillin, talin, and different integrins such as integrin α1, β1 and α5. As compared to controls, scanning electron microscopy of cells on the treated surface revealed the presence of more filopodia. These uniquely displayed very small lateral membrane protrusions between 10-15 nm that appeared to follow the walls of the nanopores. Together with the increase in focal adhesions, the abundance of filopodia and associated protrusions could contribute to the adhesive interaction with the surface and modify the nanoscale biomechanical relationships to trigger cellular cascades regulating cell proliferation.

This dissertation thesis deals with the evaluation of biocompatibility and osseointegration of nanostructured titanium materials used for dental implants. Bulk material topography and surface modification of titanium are currently of intense research mainly due to the significant impact on biocompatibility and improvement of osseointegration of dental implants. In the theoretical part are described types of titanium material and different methods of its surface modification. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and osseointegration tests are described as well. The experimental work consists of two parts of experiments. In the first experiment, we examined how grain size of nanostructured titanium material influences the behaviour of fibroblastic as well as osteoblastic cells growth on its surface. The experimentally obtained data were statistically analysed and discussed. Grain size was proven to be an important factor that influenced not only the strength of material but also its interactions with cells. The second experiment describes current methods used in the experimental evaluation of osseointegration of dental implants. The results of histological staining methods are illustrated and compared. A standardized and reproducible technique for stereological quantification of bone-implant contact...